MADISON — The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction today expressed serious concerns with a request from the U.S. Department of Education seeking certification of Wisconsin’s compliance with the current administration’s interpretation of federal laws - a step the federal agency claims is required to continue receiving federal funding.
In a letter sent Wednesday, the DPI noted that the request from USDE potentially violates required procedural steps, is unnecessarily redundant, and appears designed to intimidate school districts by threatening to withhold critical education funding. The DPI also expressed that the request restricts Wisconsin schools’ ability to make locally informed decisions that best serve their students. Given these concerns, the DPI has asked the USDE for clarification on both the intent and legality of the certification request. While it awaits a response, the DPI will not collect certifications from local education agencies and will not send the requested certification to the USDE.
“Now more than ever, Wisconsin’s students, educators and schools need support – not threats of federal funding cuts that are vital to their success,” State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly said. “We cannot stand by while the current administration threatens our schools with unnecessary and potentially unlawful mandates based on political beliefs. Our responsibility is to ensure Wisconsin students receive the best education possible, and that means allowing schools to make local decisions based on what is best for their kids and their communities.”
On Tuesday, Dr. Underly launched a new effort to help the public better understand current happenings related to K-12 education, and how state, federal, and local funding directly impact Wisconsin’s public schools and libraries. Funding the Future: How Federal & State Dollars Impact Wisconsin’s School & Libraries offers the public a clearer view of the funding landscape in Wisconsin, and its influence on local public education and libraries. The first event will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams from 4-5 p.m. on April 14, and the second will be held in person from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on April 21 at Wauwatosa Public Library.
Additional information on upcoming events can be found in this informational flyer and also on the DPI’s Tracking Federal Funding webpage. The webpage features various tools and resources, including interactive maps and personalized one-page handouts showing the impact of federal dollars on Wisconsin, along with up-to-date information on updates from the federal level.
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